# watch one's step

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/watch-ones-step
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be cautious.

## Examples

- You should watch your step on these icy stairs.
- The boss is in a bad mood today, so you should watch your step during the meeting.
- In a political climate defined by such intense scrutiny, the diplomat knew he had to watch his step to avoid causing an international incident.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.